Method and apparatus to prevent receiver desensitization from radiated hdmi signals in accessor or computing devices

ABSTRACT

A method and system configures operating parameters associated with an operation of a connected accessory or second device in order to mitigate harmonic interference within an operating frequency band of a wireless communication device (WCD). In response to a connection between the WCD and the second device via a physical communications interface, Accessory Authentication and Configuration (AAC) logic of the WCD receives device identifying information about the second device. The AAC logic determines candidate values for each operating parameter, based on the device identifying information. The AAC logic dynamically selects a particular candidate value for each operating parameter, based on a current operating frequency band of the WCD, and an expected level of harmonic interference. The AAC logic automatically configures each operating parameter with the corresponding selected candidate value to enable proper operation of the second device while mitigating harmonic interference within the operating frequency band of the WCD.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates in general to wireless communicationdevices and in particular to operation of a wireless communicationdevice while connected to an accessory device.

2. Description of the Related Art

A high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) connector and/or cable isused between a wireless communication device, such as a smart-phone, andan accessory docking station to deliver high quality video and audioexperiences to the accessory docking station display and stereospeakers. Because of the proximity of the wireless communication deviceto the HDMI connectors/cable and HDMI signal detection and conversioncircuitry within the docking station, HDMI related noise radiates fromthe connector/cable into the wireless communication device causingdesensitization of the receiver of the wireless communication device.

To minimize interference, a portable wireless communication device, suchas a smart-phone, can be kept further away from a printed circuit board(PCB) within the accessory docking station by using bulky, multilayerand rigid shielded connector and cable, as well as shielded cans.However, these conventional approaches are expensive to implement, andrequire a larger, thicker and inflexible product design. Furthermore,these approaches lead to limited improvement in terms of the ability toreduce radiated noise. Unfortunately, the conventional approachesgenerally transform the accessory design into an aestheticallyunpleasant product.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The described embodiments are to be read in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a component-level architecture ofan example wireless communication device, within which certain of thefunctional aspects of the described embodiments can advantageously beimplemented, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram representation of an example second device,which is designed and manufactured as an accessory docking station to awireless communication device, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates a physical coupling and/or connection of the deviceinterface mechanism of a second device with an accessory communicationport of a wireless communication device, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a table that provides example operating parameters and thecorresponding candidate values associated with an approved accessorydocking station, based on a particular operating frequency band of aconnected wireless communication device, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating the method for configuring operatingparameters associated with an operation of a connected accessory/seconddevice in order to mitigate harmonic interference within an operatingfrequency band of a wireless communication device, according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating the method for updating configuredoperating parameters associated with an operation of a connected, seconddevice, in response to detecting a switch in the operating frequencyband of a wireless communication device, according to one embodiment;and

FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating the method by which specificoperating parameters associated with an operation of a connected seconddevice are configured in order to mitigate harmonic interference withinan operating frequency band of a wireless communication device,according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The illustrative embodiments provide a method and system for configuringoperating parameters associated with an operation of a connectedaccessory or second device in order to mitigate harmonic interferencewithin an operating frequency band of a wireless communication device(WCD). In response to a connection between the WCD and the second devicevia a physical communications interface, Accessory Authentication andConfiguration (AAC) logic of the WCD receives device identifyinginformation about the second device. The AAC logic determines whetherthe connected second device can be authenticated as being an approveddevice for communicatively connecting with the WCD, based on the deviceidentifying information. Following successful authentication, the AAClogic identifies candidate values for each configurable operatingparameter. The AAC logic dynamically selects a particular candidatevalue for each operating parameter and automatically configures eachoperating parameter with the corresponding selected candidate value toenable proper operation of the second device while mitigating harmonicinterference within the operating frequency band of the WCD.

In the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of theinvention, specific exemplary embodiments in which the invention may bepracticed are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled inthe art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that otherembodiments may be utilized and that logical, architectural,programmatic, mechanical, electrical and other changes may be madewithout departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Thefollowing detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in alimiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by theappended claims and equivalents thereof.

Within the descriptions of the different views of the figures, similarelements are provided similar names and reference numerals as those ofthe previous figure(s). The specific numerals assigned to the elementsare provided solely to aid in the description and are not meant to implyany limitations (structural or functional or otherwise) on the describedembodiment.

It is understood that the use of specific component, device and/orparameter names (such as those of the executing utility/logic/firmwaredescribed herein) are for example only and not meant to imply anylimitations on the described embodiments. The embodiments may thus bedescribed with different nomenclature/terminology utilized to describethe components, devices, and/or parameters herein, without limitation.References to any specific protocol or proprietary name in describingone or more elements, features or concepts of the embodiments areprovided solely as examples of one implementation, and such referencesdo not limit the extension of the claimed embodiments to embodiments inwhich different element, feature or concept names are utilized. Thus,each term utilized herein is to be given its broadest interpretationgiven the context in which that terms is utilized.

As further described below, implementation of the functional features ofthe invention described herein is provided within processingdevices/structures and can involve use of a combination of hardware,firmware, as well as several software-level constructs (e.g., programcode) that execute to provide a specific utility for the device. Thepresented figures illustrate both hardware components and software/logiccomponents within example wireless communication device architecture.

With specific reference now to FIG. 1, there is depicted a block diagramof a component-level architecture of an example wireless communicationdevice 100, within which certain of the functional aspects of thedescribed embodiments can advantageously be implemented. For simplicity,wireless communication device 100 shall be referred to herein simply bythe acronym WCD 100. While the embodiments presented herein arespecifically described with reference to a wireless communicationdevice, it is appreciated that the functionality and/or features of thedescribed embodiments are fully applicable to different types ofwireless communication devices that are capable of being electricallyand/or communicatively coupled to a docking station or other secondaccessory device via a physical connector, such as a mini/microuniversal serial bus (USB) and/or a high definition multimedia interface(HDMI) connector. WCD 100 can, for example, be a mobile device, a mobilestation, a cell phone, a smart-phone, a laptop, or mobile computer.

WCD 100 comprises a plurality of functional components, includingprocessor integrated circuit (IC) 105 comprising data processor 106 andintegrated digital signal processor 108. Processor IC 105 can begenerally and interchangeably referred to as “processor” to representall of the processing components and functional logic provided on theprocessor IC 105. Coupled to processor IC 105 are memory 110, otherpersistent storage 115, and one or more input/output (I/O) components,of which keypad 120, microphone 125, audio speaker 130, and displaydevice 140 are illustrated. In one embodiment, display device 140 can bea touch screen display, and depending on the level of user interfacefunctionality supported by the touch screen display, WCD 100 canoptionally not be provided a keypad 120.

The various I/O components allow for user interfacing with WCD 100. Inaddition to these above components, WCD 100 can also include othercomponents utilized to enable standard voice, data, and/or multimediacommunication from/to WCD 100. Among these components is wirelesstransceiver 170, which is connected to antenna 172 to enablecommunication of radio frequency (RF) and/or wireless signals from andto WCD 100. In one embodiment, wireless transceiver 170 is dynamicallyconfigured to operate in a certain operating frequency band and/orchannel, based on at least one of: (a) a type of wireless communicationsnetwork and communications protocol (e.g., a GSM-based network or aCDMA-based network) to which WCD 100 currently subscribes; (b)geographic location; and (c) other conditions that can influence aswitch and/or a selection of a particular operating frequency. Certainforms of the received RF/wireless signals can be converted into audio,which can be outputted via speaker 130 during a voice communicationbeing facilitated and/or performed via WCD 100. Also illustrated is ageneral communication module(s) 178 representing one or more types ofsecondary transceivers and/or communication portals. In one embodiment,communication module(s) 178 represents communication components, such asan infrared (IR) transceiver and a Bluetooth transceiver, forcommunicating data and/or other content to and from WCD 100.

Depending on the type of network for which the WCD 100 is designed, WCD100 can comprise a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card 135 that storesunique features corresponding to the particular subscriber in possessionof the SIM card 135. For example, WCD 100 can be a global system formobile communication (GSM) phone and thus includes SIM card 135, whichconnects to processor IC 105 via a SIM card adapter/port (not shown).SIM card 135 may be utilized as a storage device for storing user dataor general content, similar to other storage 115 and/or memory 110.

To enable WCD 100 to connect to and interface with various types ofaccessory second devices, WCD 100 comprises first physicalcommunications interface 165, which can be an accessory connector, andmini/micro USB interface 162. First physical communications interface165 and/or USB interface 162 can be coupled to an accessoryauthentication mechanism 160. In one or more embodiments, accessoryauthentication mechanism 160 can be integrated within or be provided byprogrammable logic on processor IC 105, such as Accessory Authenticationand Configuration (AAC) logic 180. In this embodiment, first physicalcommunications interface 165 is coupled to the processor IC 105 andenables connection of the WCD 100 to a device interface mechanism of anaccessory second device. Likewise, USB interface 162 can be coupled toprocessor and provide the connection point for an accessory seconddevice. At least one of the described embodiments allow for utilizationof both first physical communications interface 165 as a primaryphysical communications interface to a second device and USB interface162 as a secondary interface that handles the authentication of theaccessory second device prior to enabling the second device to beutilized with WCD 100.

Processor IC 105 and the other components of WCD 100 that requireelectrical power can be coupled to and receive power from powermanagement circuit 150. Power management circuit controls thedistribution of electrical power to the various components of WCD 100via a power distribution mechanism on the phone's motherboard (notshown), on which the components are built/embedded. Power managementcircuit 150 couples to a power source (not explicitly shown). Powermanagement circuit 150 also provides electrical power to the variousother on-board ICs and/or components (not shown). In addition, powermanagement circuit 150 can provide electrical power required for drivesignals that provide data content to an accessory device (e.g., seconddevice 200 in FIG. 2) that is communicatively connected to WCD 100 viafirst physical communications interface 165. In one or more of thedescribed embodiments, first physical communications interface 165 is ahigh definition multimedia interface (HDMI).

Clock management circuit 155 controls the distribution of timing signalsto the various components of WCD 100 on the phone's motherboard. Inaddition, in one embodiment, WCD 100 propagates timing signals over thephysical communications interface to the connected second device toprovide timing resources to enable a proper operation of the seconddevice. In one embodiment, WCD 100 comprises at least two internalclocks (within clock management circuit/component 155). These internalclocks represent the source clocks from which a number of output clockscan be efficiently generated. In a particular example, WCD 100 comprisesthree (3) sources clocks, (a) a first source clock at 200 MHz, (b) asecond source clock of 320 MHz, and (c) a third source clock of 408 MHz.

As illustrated, processor IC 105 can include a programmablemicroprocessor (of which data processor 106 is provided as an example),as well as a digital signal processor (DSP) 108 that controls thecommunication and other signal processing functions and/or operations ofWCD 100. Additionally, data processor 106 can include AAC logic 180,which supports the authentication and configuration processes forauthenticating and configuring a connected second device. Theseauthentication and configuration features are described in greaterdetail below. In one embodiment, AAC logic 180 comprises programmablecode that automatically executes on data processor 106 when connectionto the second device via first physical communications interface 165and/or via mini/micro USB interface 162 is detected.

In addition to the above hardware components, several functions of WCD100 and specific features of the invention may be provided as functionalcode and/or data that is stored within memory 110 and/or other storage115 and executed on or utilized by data processor 106. In particular,memory 110 comprises device identifying information 190, which can bereceived from second device 200 of FIG. 2, and “connected second deviceharmonic noise mitigating” data structure 196, referred to hereinaftersimply as data structure 196. Data structure 196 comprises mappingsand/or shows correlations between operating parameters and assumablecandidate values. These mapping and/or correlations are associated withat least one operating frequency of WCD 100. Within data structure 196each mapping associated with a particular operating frequency can be aseparate table, such as the example table 400 presented by FIG. 4, whichis described below. Also stored within memory 110 are and one or moremultimedia and applications utilities 192, which when executed by dataprocessor 106 enables various functional features and generates the userinterface mechanisms of WCD 100. Data processor 106 executes the variousfunctional code and firmware, such as accessory authentication andconfiguration utility (AACU) 194, to provide processor-level control forthe authentication and configuration of a second device to which WCD 100is physically coupled.

According to one implementation, when AACU 194 is executed by dataprocessor 106, AACU 194 generates AAC logic 180, which performs and/orprovides the following functions, among others: (a) receives deviceidentifying information about a connected, second device; (b) initiatesan authentication procedure to determine whether the connected seconddevice can be authenticated as being an approved device forcommunicatively connecting with the WCD, based on the device identifyinginformation; (c) in response to successful authentication of the seconddevice, determines, for each of at least one configurable operatingparameter associated with an operation of the connected second device, aset of candidate values that are mapped to a corresponding configurableoperating parameter; (d) dynamically selects a candidate value, fromamong the set of candidate values, for configuring the correspondingconfigurable operating parameter, based on at least one of (i) a currentoperating frequency band of the wireless communication device; (ii) acurrent operating frequency channel of the wireless communicationdevice; or (iii) a level of harmonic interference expected within thecurrent operating frequency band of the wireless communication devicedue to operation of the second device; and (e) automatically configureseach of the at least one configurable operating parameter with acorresponding selected candidate value. The process of automaticconfiguring the configurable operating parameter(s) with thecorresponding selected candidate value(s) results in a mitigation of atleast one of a radiated noise level and a harmonic interference withinthe current operating frequency band of the wireless communicationdevice. As utilized herein, the term “dynamically” and specifically“dynamically selects” refers to the device performing the selecting ofthe candidate value independently without requiring any external controlto complete the selection. The selection is initiated by the devicewithout a user or other device triggering or requesting the selection.The term “automatically” and specifically “automatically configures”refers to the device immediately performing the configuration inresponse to some trigger condition.

The above listed functions represent a subset of the functionalprocesses of the described embodiments, which processes are expandedupon below and illustrated in part by the flow charts of FIGS. 5, 6 and7, as well as the other figures. In one alternate embodiment, thefunctions are performed in part by the accessory authenticationmechanism 160 and specifically authentication and configuration logic.The authentication and configuration logic initiates the authenticationand configuration processes via corresponding interfaces responsive todetection of an electrical coupling of the first physical communicationsinterface 165 and/or USB interface 162 with an appropriate deviceinterface mechanism of the connected second device.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is illustrated a block diagramrepresentation of an example accessory second device 200. In oneembodiment, second device 200 is designed and manufactured as a dockingstation to WCD 100. According to one embodiment, a docking station is anaccessory electronic device to which a smart-phone or other WCD canconnect to provide the smart-phone and/or WCD with an expanded and/orenhanced functionality. For example, the docking station can allow theWCD or smart-phone access to one or more of a larger digital display, afull-size keyboard, a more powerful set of speakers and/or a chargingbase provided by connecting to and utilizing the particular type ofdocking station. When a WCD or smart-phone is combined with a dockingstation serving as a second device 200, the processor of theWCD/smart-phone provides the processing capability of the combination toconnect with services and applications. The processor, described below,of the second device 200 is intended to control the components of thesecond device. Second device 200 is generally configured for receivingan electronic device, such as WCD 100. Second device 200 comprises anexternal casing 202, which securely fastens device interfacing mechanism230 in place and enables device interfacing mechanism 230 to extendbeyond a surface of the casing 202. It is to be also understood thatexternal casing 202 may be used as a conduit for an internal HDMI cable232 that is used to connect device interfacing mechanism 230 to HDMIconverter IC 235. The internal HDMI cable 232 can be a short cablehaving a length that satisfies design and/or connection specifications.In one embodiment, HDMI cable 232 can be positioned within externalcasing 202 to minimize harmonic interference to WCD 100, while enablingsecond device 200 to satisfy performance requirements.

Second device 200 comprises processor 225 which is coupled to controller220 and to memory 205. Included within Memory 205 are device identifyinginformation 212 and extended display identification data(EDID)/configuration data 210. Memory 205 further includes configurationlogic 215. In addition, second device 200 comprises HDMI converterintegrated circuit (IC) 235 disposed within casing 202 and electricallyand communicatively coupled to the device interfacing mechanism 230,which for purposes of this embodiment is an HDMI connecting port towhich HDMI (230) can be coupled. Second device 200 can also comprise oneor more ports for coupling or wirelessly connecting second device 200 toother devices. For example, second device 200 is illustrated having RFIDtransceiver 250, Bluetooth® 252, and one or more universal serial bus(USB) ports 255. Responsive to detection of an electrical coupling of acommunications port of an electronic device (e.g., first physicalcommunications interface 165 of WCD 100) to device interfacing mechanism230 of second device 200, or detection of a connection of USB port 255to a USB interface of an electronic device (e.g., USB interface 162),second device 200 automatically transmits device identifying information212 to connected electronic device, e.g., WCD 100.

Second device 200 also comprises several input/output (I/O) components,including display device 240, keypad 242 and speaker 244, which areindividually coupled to controller 220. As further illustrated, seconddevice 200 comprises a power adapter connector 260 at which electricalpower can be supplied to the second device 200 from an external powersource. The embodiments described herein assume that second device 200is a particular type of second device having specific operationalcapabilities, which operational capabilities can be enabled byselectively configuring at least one configurable operating parameterassociated with the operation of the second device.

In one implementation, the physical connection between WCD 100 andsecond device 200 can be a direct connection. However, as withconventional HDMI device pairings, the connection can also include ashort cable, and specifically a HDMI cable, with connecting endsinserted into respective HDMI of WCD 100 and of second device 200. FIG.3 illustrates a physical coupling and/or connection of the deviceinterface mechanism 230 of second device 200 with first physicalcommunications interface 165 of WCD 100 via a length of cabling, whichshall be referred to generally as connecting cable 310. It isappreciated that connecting cable 310 can be an HDMI cable when theinterfaces of both devices that are being connected are HDMIs. Asintroduced above, the design specifications of the HDMI cable 232 canhelp to minimize harmonic interference when WCD 100 is connected tosecond device 200, while enabling second device 200 to satisfy highperformance requirements. FIG. 3 also illustrates a secondary connectionbetween USB interface 162 of WCD 100 and USB port 255 of second device200 via a USB cable 320. USB cable 320 is a serial cable that enables aconnection between USB interfaces within a distance equal to the lengthof the cable.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the hardwaredepicted in FIGS. 1-3 may vary depending on implementation. Otherinternal hardware or peripheral devices may be used in addition to or inplace of the hardware depicted in FIGS. 1-3. Also, the processes of thepresent invention may be applied to any portable/handheld electronicdevice or data processing system or similar device with a connectingport for connecting the device to an accessory that is one of manydifferent types (or classes) of accessories, with specific capabilitiesthat can be supported by the device. Thus, the depicted examples are notmeant to imply architectural limitations with respect to the presentedembodiments.

According to one aspect of the disclosure, WCD 100 receives deviceidentifying information about second device 200 that is connected to WCD100, when second device connects to WCD 100 via first physicalcommunication interface 165. In one embodiment, the second deviceidentifying information is received via the USB interface 162 inresponse to physical coupling of the two devices via the USB interface.Transmission of the device identifying information can be automaticallytriggered at second device 200 in response to second device 200detecting that a USB connection between both devices is beingestablished. In an alternate embodiment, second device 200 sends thedevice identifying information to WCD 100, in response to detecting thata connection is being established between WCD 100 and second device 200via the first physical communication interface. With this alternateembodiment, no separate USB connection is required to trigger thetransfer of device identifying information and/or to initiate seconddevice authentication and/or configuration, as described below. In oneimplementation, the device identifying information provides at least oneof: (a) identification of a connected, second device type and a specificmodel of the second device; and (b) identification of operationalcapabilities of second device 200.

In one embodiment, in response to receipt of the device identifyinginformation, WCD 100 initiates an authentication procedure to determinewhether second device 200 is an approved device for connecting to WCD100 via the first physical communication interface. However, aspects ofthe disclosure can also be implemented with alternate embodiments inwhich no authentication is required for connecting and configuring thetwo devices to communicate with each other. With these alternateembodiments, WCD 100 does not execute an authentication procedure.Rather, in response to detecting a connection with second device 200,WCD 100 initiates a process to configure operating parameters for one orboth of WCD 100 and second device 200, which operating parameters areassociated with operation of the connected second device. In theembodiments in which WCD 100 is configured to first perform theauthentication procedure, the second device identifying information isutilized as authentication data in the authentication procedure, and WCD100 determines, based on an analysis of the authentication data, whetherthe second device is an approved accessory second device forcommunicating with over the first physical communication interface.

In one or more embodiments, configuration logic 215 enablesauthentication of second device 200 with the connected WCD 100 via acommunication protocol, such as the whisper protocol. As utilizedherein, the whisper protocol is a device authentication andconfiguration protocol that ensures that second device 200 is capable ofbeing utilized with WCD 100. Accordingly, in the described embodiments,each second device that supports the whisper protocol can, followingdetection of a connection with WCD 100, autonomously forward deviceidentifying information 212 that provides authentication data to WCD 100to identify what broad category or class the second device falls into.When WCD 100 is initially coupled to the second device 200, theaccessory authentication mechanism 160 of WCD 100 identifies the type ofthe connected second device based on device identifying information 212received from second device 200.

As introduced above, in one embodiment, WCD 100 can receive theauthentication data via a wired communication over a second physicalcommunication interface, for example, a USB interface 162. Whenauthentication is performed via the second physical communicationsinterface, or USB, authentication can be triggered by one of: (a) seconddevice 200 detecting a connection between corresponding second physicalcommunications interfaces (e.g., a connection between USB interface 162of WCD 100 and USB 255 of second device 200); (b) second device 200detecting a connection between corresponding first physicalcommunications interfaces (e.g., HDMI) of both devices; and (c) seconddevice 200 detecting both connections between corresponding firstphysical communications interfaces and corresponding second physicalcommunications interfaces of both devices.

In an alternate embodiment, WCD 100 can receive the authentication datavia a wireless communication. When authentication is performed via awireless communications interface, authentication can be triggered byone of: (a) second device 200 detecting a wireless connection (e.g.,handshaking) between WCD 100 and second device 200; (b) second device200 detecting a connection between corresponding first physicalcommunications interfaces of both devices; and (c) second device 200detecting both the wireless handshake and the connection betweencorresponding first physical communications interfaces.

In performing the authentication procedure, AAC logic 180 determines, bycomparing the authentication data with at least one authenticationparameter stored within WCD 100, whether second device 200 is anapproved device for connecting to the communication device via firstphysical communication interface 165. In response to determining thatsecond device 200 is an approved device, WCD 100 initiates aconfiguration procedure to enable proper operation and utilization ofsecond, connected device 200. However, in response to determining thatsecond device 200 is not an approved device, AAC logic 180 preventssecond device 200 from communicating with WCD 100 via first physicalcommunication interface (165).

In one embodiment, AAC logic 180 is able to initiate the authenticationprocedure by using information received by WCD 100 from second device200 over the second physical communication interface (e.g., USB 162).WCD 100 utilizes the second physical communication interface to performthe authentication because of established authentication protocolsassociated with the utilization of a mini/micro USB interface of aplurality of approved accessories. In one embodiment, the connectionestablished via USB 162 can be utilized to provide electrical power tocharge WCD 100. The connection via USB 162 can also be utilized toprovide audio output when the display of the second device 200 is notavailable, e.g., when the display is closed. It is appreciated that whenthe display is closed or not operational, there is no HDMI signal beingsent from WCD 100 to the display of second device 200. By using USB 162for audio, a user can still access audio functionality to listen tomusic and/or to utilize a hands-free speakerphone through the morepowerful set speakers of second device 200, while the display is closedor not operational. Thus, authentication of the second device 200 can,in one or more embodiments, be required solely to utilize the HDMIfunctionality of the device. However, in alternate embodiments, failureof the authentication procedure can cause the second device 200 to beincapable of being utilized for any of the secondary functions thatwould otherwise be available via the USB connection.

In one embodiment, WCD 100 initiates the configuration procedure byrequesting configuration data from second device 200. In anotherembodiment, the configuration data is provided in response to theconnection of WCD 100 to second device 200 via the first physicalcommunication interface, and the configuration data can be provided toWCD 100 concurrently with the device identifying information.

In one embodiment, second device 200 is an accessory, which may be adocking station, having an HDMI receptor or HDMI cable 232 to which theHDMI (165) of WCD 100 is connected. In one embodiment, WCD 100 cancommunicate with the accessory via the HDMI only after a successfulauthentication of the accessory as an approved second device forcommunicating via the HDMI. Following successful authentication, WCD 100receives from second device 200 configuration data in the form ofextended display information data (EDID) that comprises a plurality ofspecifications for a display component of the second device. In oneembodiment, the EDID specifications include at least one of: (a) a setof recommended values for associated configurable operating parameters;and (b) a set of default values for the associated configurableoperating parameters.

Extended display identification data (EDID) is a data structure providedby a digital display (e.g., display 240 of second device 200) todescribe the capabilities of the display to a data content source. Forexample, the data content source can include a graphics card, a set-topbox, or according to the described embodiments, WCD 100. When receivedfrom a connected second device, the EDID notifies WCD 100 about the kindof monitors that is connected to WCD 100. EDID is defined by a standardpublished by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA). TheEDID can include manufacturer name and serial number, product type,phosphor or filter type, timings supported by the display, display size,luminance data and (for digital displays only) pixel mapping data.

According to the described embodiments, proper operation and utilizationof second device 200 while the device is connected to WCD 100 areenabled by configuring a set of configurable operating parameters withvalues selected from a plurality of candidate values. Duringconfiguration, AAC logic 180 determines, for each configurable operatingparameter associated with an operation of the connected second device, aset of candidate values that are mapped to a corresponding configurableoperating parameter. In one embodiment, these mappings are based on aspecific operating frequency being utilized during wirelesscommunications by transceiver 170 of WCD 100.

In one embodiment, WCD 100 retrieves pre-determined, candidate valuesthat are associated with a configurable operating parameter, for eachone of the set of configurable operating parameters, from stored datastructure 196 within WCD 100. In one embodiment, the pre-established,candidate values include at least one default, preferred and/or standardvalue.

In one embodiment, the set of configurable operating parameters includea first configurable operating parameter for a drive signal level forsignals communicated over the HDMI to second device 200. Second device200 can include a video output component that operates utilizing atleast one of a second configurable operating parameter for HDMI signalpropagation frequency and a third configurable operating parameter forpixel clock frequency. In this one embodiment, each of the first, secondand third configurable operating parameters can assume a value selectedfrom multiple, selectable pre-established candidate values. Inparticular, the collective set of candidate values for the set ofconfigurable operating parameter can include: a first set of candidatevalues for the drive signal level; a second set of candidate values foran HDMI signal propagation frequency; and a third set of candidatevalues for a pixel clock frequency of a video component (e.g., display240) of second device 200.

In response to determining and/or identifying a set of candidate values,data processor 106 dynamically selects a candidate value, from among theset of candidate values, for configuring the corresponding configurableoperating parameter. The processor selection is based on at least one of(a) a current operating frequency band of WCD 100; (b) a currentoperating channel of WCD 100; (c) a level of harmonic interferenceexpected within the current operating frequency band of WCD 100. Thelevel of harmonic interference expected is pre-determined, based on theresults of performance measurements and/or testing using the variouscandidate values.

When the first operating parameter is the HDMI drive signal level, AAClogic 180 selects a lower value for the drive signal level from thecorresponding, first set of candidate values for the drive signal level.Selection of a lower value for drive signal level reduces the level ofharmonic interference in the operating frequency band of WCD 100 thanwould be experience at the default higher drive signal level. The lowervalue selected can be determined by considering the lower end of therange of signal strength that still enables high performance operationof the second device. The requirements for proper and/or highperformance device operation are therefore balanced against therequirements for harmonic interference reduction in selecting theapplied drive signal level for the HDMI. In one embodiment, apre-established default drive signal value is provided and can be amaximum value or some other higher value than the selected lower valueutilized for the drive signal level. Thus, AAC logic 180 selects thelower value, which can be a minimum value, instead of thepre-established default value, to provide a reduced overall noise levelwithin the current operating frequency band of WCD 100.

Data structure 196 of WCD 100 can comprise a plurality of tables ormappings, based on different operating frequencies with which thedevice's transceiver 170 can operate. FIG. 4 illustrates an exampleseries of mappings within an example table 400 of data structure 196.Table 400 provides example operating parameters and the correspondingcandidate values associated with an approved second device based onoperation of a connected wireless communication device within aparticular operating frequency band, according to one embodiment. In theillustrative embodiment, table 400 represents a subset of data structure196 (FIG. 1) for connection by WCD 100 to a lapdock-type accessorydocking station, as the second device. More particularly, table 400provides pre-established candidate values and associations based on afirst operating frequency band, B1. It is appreciated that other tablescan be maintained within data structure 196 representing mappings ofpre-established candidate values with operating parameters for (a) aplurality of different operating frequency bands that can be configuredby WCD 100 within a corresponding communications network and (b) aplurality of different types of second devices.

Table 400 provides, for each candidate value (shown in the second columnof Table 400) associated with a configurable operating parameter (shownin the first column of Table 400), a corresponding level of harmonicinterference expected (shown in the fifth column of Table 400) withinthe current operating frequency band “B1” (from table specifications401) of WCD 100. This level of harmonic interference occurs when WCD 100is set to communicate with transceiver 170 utilizing operating frequencyband, B1, while WCD 100 is connected to second device 200 and the twodevices are actively communicating HDMI signals over the first physicalinterface. The specific level of harmonic interference then correspondsto the second device operating with a configurable operating parameterconfigured with the corresponding candidate value indicated within thetable 400. Table 400 indicates that one or more of the multipleselectable pre-established candidate values are associated in the storeddata structure 196 with parameters from table specifications 401 thatinclude at least one of (a) a specific device type identifier (e.g., fora docking station, such as a “lapdock” or “web-top” docking station)corresponding to the device type of the second device; and (b) a devicemodel identifier corresponding to the model of the second device.Additionally, the candidate values are associated with a configurableoperating parameter that can be correlated with at least one otherconfigurable operating parameter, as shown in fourth row 408 and fifthrow 410. The value that AAC logic 180 selects for one of the correlated,configurable operating parameters determines the likely values that AAClogic 180 can select for the other correlated, configurable operatingparameters. For example, in one embodiment, the second and thirdconfigurable operating parameters (i.e., the operating parameterscorresponding to signal propagation frequency and pixel clock frequency)are correlated. AAC logic 180 properly configures the second and thirdcorrelated, configurable operating parameters to provide a reduced levelof harmonic interference and simultaneously enable an effectiveoperation of the video output component, based on the current operatingfrequency band and operating channel of WCD 100.

Referring specifically to table 400, first row 402 of table 400 showsthat operating parameter “A” is mapped to a set of candidate values “setAval”. Set Aval comprises candidate values “A1” through “An”, whichincludes a default value of “Ax”. Operating parameter “A” is notcorrelated with any other operating parameter. First row 402 alsoprovides the pre-determined level of interference reduction associatedwith each candidate value of operating parameter “A” via vector [Ea]. Inone embodiment, the pre-determined level of interference reduction is ameasure of the interference reduction associated with use of aparticular candidate value relative to interference associated with aconfiguration of an operating parameter using the default value as areference candidate value associated with a corresponding referenceharmonic interference level. Second row 404 that is associated withoperating parameter “B” is presented in a similar manner to thepresentation of parameter “A” in first row 402, and parameter “B” canthus be described in a manner similar to a manner in which parameter Ais described.

Third row 406 shows that the operating parameter for drive signalstrength is mapped to a set of candidate values “[1 2 3 4 5]”. In oneembodiment, these five (5) candidate values represent 5 distinct levelsof power. The default value is 5. The operating parameter for drivesignal strength is not correlated with any other operating parameter.Third row 406 also provides the pre-determined level of interferencereduction associated with each candidate value of the operatingparameter of drive signal strength via the vector [8 6 4 2 0]. Forexample, this vector indicates that if the candidate drive signal valueof “1” instead of the default drive signal value of 5 is assumed by theoperating parameter for drive signal strength, an interference reductionof 8 units is expected within frequency band B1. Continuing with thesecond element of the vector, “6” units of interference reduction isexpected within frequency band B1 if candidate drive signal level/value2 is selected and is compared to a configuration in which the defaultdrive signal value of 5 is selected.

Fourth row 408 shows that the operating parameter for drive signalpropagation frequency is mapped to a set of candidate values “[100 101102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110]”. In one embodiment, these eleven(11) candidate values represent 11 distinct frequency values. Thedefault frequency value is 106. Fourth row 408 further indicates thatthe operating parameter for signal propagation frequency is correlatedwith the operating parameter for pixel clock frequency. In addition, thepre-determined level of interference reduction associated with each ofthe 11 candidate values of the operating parameter of signal propagationfrequency is provided via the vector [2 −3 −2 1 0 2 −1 0 1 3 1]. Thisvector indicates that if the candidate frequency value of “101” units offrequency is assumed by the operating parameter for signal propagationfrequency, an interference reduction of −3 units of interferencereduction is expected within frequency band B1. This interferencereduction occurs when (a) interference associated with a firstconfiguration in which candidate frequency value 101 is selected ascompared to the interference associated with a second configuration inwhich the default frequency value of 106 is selected, and which defaultfrequency value represents the reference candidate frequency value, and(b) the default value of 420 units of frequency (provided by fifth row410) is assigned to the operating parameter for pixel clock frequency.

Table 400 presents the harmonic interference reduction performanceassociated with the 11 candidate propagation frequency values of theoperating parameter for signal propagation frequency against only onecandidate pixel clock frequency value (e.g., the default pixel clockfrequency value of 420) associated with the operating parameter forpixel clock frequency. Theoretically, one hundred and twenty one (121)different combination pairs of values (i.e., 11×11 possiblecombinations) can be analyzed. However, in one embodiment, AAC logic 180can eliminate certain combinations based on the analyzed performanceresults (involving the different combinations) generated while WCD 100operates within a particular operating frequency band and/or channel.Thus, in a more practical scenario, AAC logic 180 can be pre-programmedto select, from among the 121 possible combinations, one of only 11candidate combination pair of values provided that enable properoperation of second device 200 and effective harmonic interferencereduction within the operating frequency band of WCD 100.

In one embodiment, AAC logic 180 selects a candidate value for at leastone of the configurable operating parameters exclusively from among oneof (a) the retrieved candidate values from Table 400 or data structure196 of WCD 100, and (b) the recommended candidate values received fromsecond device 200. In a related embodiment, in which AAC 180 selects thecandidate value for a corresponding configurable operating parameterexclusively from among the recommended candidate values, WCD 100 doesnot have to store/maintain candidate values for the correspondingoperating parameter.

In one embodiment, AAC logic 180 selects a candidate value for at leastone of the configurable operating parameters by comparing the retrieved,pre-established candidate values with recommended candidate valuesprovided within the configuration data received from second device 200.Thus, for example, WCD 100 or AAC logic 180 dynamically selects acorresponding candidate value for at least one of the drive signal levelof the HDMI, the HDMI signal propagation frequency, and the pixel clockfrequency from one of (a) pre-selected values that are presented withinan entry of a stored data structure and (b) candidate values that matchat least one approved value from a range of approved values that areautomatically received from the second device when the second device iscommunicatively coupled to the HDMI.

A designer, programmer, or manufacturer of WCD 100 can pre-determine thestored candidate values and create the data structure 196 in which thesevalues and associated information are stored as firmware or softwarecode. This firmware or software code can be updated and expanded asadditional second devices are approved. However, in one embodiment,these stored candidate values are initially derived from at least oneof: (a) empirical data and analysis from prior performance measurementsand testing, which identify associations described in Table 400; (b)information about the specifications for certain operating parametersfor approved second devices; and (c) information about resources andcapabilities of WCD 100.

In one embodiment, WCD 100 utilizes its internal clock(s) and capabilityto generate different frequencies from these clocks to provide a dynamicdetermination of one or more of the values to apply to thefrequency-based operating parameter(s) of a connected second device. Forexample, WCD 100 receives, from second device 200, configuration datathat provides several recommended candidate values for pixel clockfrequency, including a first recommended value of 101 MHz. However, WCD100 is only capable of generating output clock values of 100 MHz (i.e.,200 MHz source clock divided by 2) and 102 MHz (i.e., 408 MHz sourceclock divided by 4). Although WCD 100 and clock management circuit 155do not exactly generate a 101 MHz clock, WCD 100 is able to utilize anyof these two output clock values as pre-established candidate values inplace of the recommended candidate value to configure the correspondingpixel clock operating parameter. Furthermore, WCD 100 has storedinformation that indicates that the values of the generated outputclocks (i.e., 100 MHz and 102 MHz) are within a predetermined range ofclock values with which the connected second device can operate.However, these two clocks may provide different impacts on the operatingfrequency band. Based on empirical data and analysis associated withthese clock values, WCD 100 provides corresponding information and/orassociations as described in Table 400, including levels of harmonicinterference that each of these output clocks cause in various operatingfrequency bands.

In one embodiment, WCD 100 can generate a universal set of output clockswhich provide the complete set of values from which WCD 100 can choosecandidate frequency values. WCD 100 can choose candidate frequencyvalues for a particular type of device and/or device model. These valuesare chosen based on WCD 100 having previously stored information aboutparticular operating parameter specifications for these approveddevices. WCD 100 is able to receive a set of recommended candidatevalues for pixel clock frequency and compare these recommended candidatevalues with the pre-established candidate values (based on the internalclocks of WCD 100). Based on the comparison between the recommendedvalues and the stored pre-established candidate values, WCD 100determines a set of matching, candidate values from which a finaloperating parameter value is selected to configure the correspondingconfigurable operating parameter. In one embodiment, a first value“matches” a second value when the first value is within a presetthreshold range of the second value. In one embodiment, WCD 100 may haveadditional, stored information that indicates that the first value fallswithin a broader range of values that the second device recommends forproper operation.

In one implementation, WCD 100 includes (a) candidate propagationfrequency values for signals that can be communicated via the HDMI to anapproved second device having a same device type as the second device,and (b) candidate pixel clock frequency values that can be applied to adisplay device of an approved second device having the same displaydevice type as the second device. WCD 100 automatically receives fromsecond device 200 at least one of (a) HDMI signal propagation frequencyrecommended values supported by the second device and (b) pixel clockfrequency values supported by second device 200. In order to configurethe operating parameter for propagation or drive signal frequency, and,in response to having received the recommended candidate propagationfrequency values, WCD 100 identifies at least one first matching valuefrom the candidate propagation frequency values that match one of thereceived recommended HDMI signal propagation frequency candidate values.In order to configure the operating parameter for pixel clock frequency,and, in response to having received the recommended candidate pixelclock frequency values, WCD 100 identifies at least one second matchingvalue from the candidate pixel clock frequency values that match one ofthe received recommended pixel clock frequency candidate values.

In an embodiment, in which the operating parameter for drive signalpropagation frequency is correlated with the operating parameter forpixel clock frequency, WCD 100 selects (a) a matching candidate HDMIpropagation frequency value from the at least one first matching valuefor HDMI signal propagation frequency and (b) a matching candidate pixelclock frequency value from the at least one second matching value forpixel clock frequency value. The specific combination of the selectedmatching, candidate HDMI propagation frequency value and candidate pixelclock frequency value is determined as a combination that minimizes alevel of harmonic interference in the operating frequency band of thewireless communication device while the operating parameters areconfigured with the selected candidate values.

AAC logic 180 automatically configures each of the at least oneconfigurable operating parameter with a corresponding selected candidatevalue. Following the configuration of the operating parameters, AAClogic 180 initiates a communication from WCD 100 to second device 200via the first physical communication interface. Based on theconfiguration of operating parameters with the selected values, AAClogic 180 mitigates at least one of a radiated noise level and aharmonic interference within the current operating frequency receiveband of the wireless communication device, while connected second device200 is operating and is being utilized by WCD 100.

The interference mitigation ability of AAC logic 180 provides designersof second devices, such as docking stations, with flexibility in theplacement of a wireless communication device relative to an HDMIconverter integrated circuit in the second device. AAC logic 180selectively and dynamically changes HDMI drive signal strengths, drivesignal propagation frequencies, and pixel clock frequencies, accordingto accessory device types, operating frequency bands and channels inorder to prevent HDMI harmonic noise from falling within apre-determined threshold range of operating frequency receive bands andchannels.

FIGS. 5-7 are flow charts illustrating methods by which the aboveprocesses of the illustrative embodiments can be completed. Although themethods illustrated in FIGS. 5-7 may be described with reference tocomponents and functionality illustrated by and described in referenceto FIGS. 1-4, it should be understood that this is merely forconvenience and alternative components and/or configurations of thedevices and data structures can be employed when implementing thevarious methods. Certain portions of the methods can be completed byAACU 194 executing on one or more processors 105 within WCD 100 and/orAAC logic 180, such as is generally described in FIG. 1. For simplicityin describing the methods, all method processes are described from theperspective of WCD 100 and/or AAC logic 180; However, certain secondaryfunctions required to support the overall functionality of WCD 100 canbe described as being performed by second device 200. These secondaryfunctions involve automatically transmitting device identifyinginformation to WCD 100, in response to detecting that a connectionbetween WCD 100 and the second device is being established via the firstand/or second physical communication interface.

FIG. 5 illustrates the method by which operating parameters associatedwith an operation of a connected second device are configured in orderto mitigate harmonic interference within an operating frequency band ofa wireless communication device, according to one embodiment. The methodbegins at initiator block 501 and proceeds to block 502 at which AAClogic 180 receives device identifying information from second device200, after a connection is established between WCD 100 and second device200. At block 504, AAC logic 180 initiates an authentication procedure,based on the device identifying information, to determine whether thesecond device is an approved device for connecting to WCD 100 via thefirst physical communication interface. At decision block 506, AAC logic180 determines whether the second device is successfully authenticated.If at decision block 506, AAC logic 180 determines that the seconddevice is successfully authenticated, AAC logic 180 requests andreceives configuration data or EDID from second device 200, as shown atblock 508. However, if at decision block 506, AAC logic 180 determinesthat second device 200 is not successfully authenticated, AAC logic 180prevents transmission of content to second device 200 via the firstphysical communication interface, as shown at block 512. The methodprocess then ends at block 518. Following a receipt of configurationdata at block 508, AAC logic 180 retrieves a data structure havingmappings of operating parameters with candidate values, as well as acorresponding level of harmonic interference reduction associated with aspecific candidate value, according to a current operating frequencyband of WCD 100, as shown at block 510. At block 514, AAC logic 180selects values to be assigned to the operating parameters based on ananalysis of parameter mappings data and the received EDID. At block 516,AAC logic 180 configures the operating parameters with selected valuesthat mitigate harmonic interference while enabling proper deviceoperation. The process ends at block 518.

FIG. 6 illustrates the method by which configured operating parametersassociated with an operation of a connected, second device are updatedin response to detecting a switch in the operating frequency band of awireless communication device, according to one embodiment. The methodbegins at initiator block 601 and proceeds to block 602 at which AAClogic 180 identifies a first operating frequency band as a currentoperating frequency band of WCD 100. At block 604, AAC logic 180 selectsvalues to be assigned to operating parameters based on the retrievedpre-established parameter data mappings associated with the firstoperating frequency band and the EDID associated with the firstoperating frequency band. At block 606, AAC logic 180 configuresoperating parameters with selected values to mitigate harmonicinterference in first operating band while enabling proper deviceoperation.

While WCD 100 is communicatively connected to second device 200 via theHDMI, AAC logic 180 detects a switch by WCD 100 to a second operatingfrequency band (or to a different operating channel within the firstoperating frequency band), as shown at block 608. In response todetecting a switch associated with operating frequency, AAC logic 180autonomously checks a stored data structure of WCD 100 for appropriatecandidate values of the operating parameters based on the second,current operating frequency band (and/or current operating frequencychannel). As illustrated, at block 610, AAC logic 180 retrieves thepre-established parameter data mappings, according to the secondoperating frequency band. At block 612, AAC logic 180 analyzes theretrieved pre-established parameter data mappings against the previouslyreceived EDID in order to select the operating parameter values. Atdecision block 614, AAC logic 180 determines whether the same parametervalues as selected during a preceding configuration procedure arecurrently selected. AAC logic 180 dynamically and selectively changeseach operating parameter based on differences in a previous set and acurrent, appropriate set of candidate values associated with at leastone of the first operating frequency band being changed to the second,current operating frequency band and the first operating frequencychannel being changed to the second, current operating frequencychannel. If at decision block 614 AAC logic 180 determines that the sameparameter values as selected during the preceding configurationprocedure are currently selected, AAC logic determines that the currentconfiguration is suitable for the second frequency operating band orchannel, as shown at block 616. However, if at decision block 614 AAClogic 180 determines that the currently selected parameter values aredifferent from the parameter values for the preceding configurationprocess, AAC logic 180 re-configures the operating parameters with thecurrently selected values to mitigate harmonic interference while WCD100 operates in the second operating band, as shown at block 618. Theprocess ends at block 620.

FIG. 7 illustrates the method by which specific operating parametersassociated with an operation of a connected second device are configuredin order to mitigate harmonic interference within an operating frequencyband of a wireless communication device, according to one embodiment.Specifically, with the method of FIG. 7, the operating parameters areassumed to be drive signal strength and drive signal frequency for anHDMI, as well as pixel clock frequency for a display device of theconnected second device 200. The method begins at initiator block 701and proceeds to block 702 at which AAC logic 180 initiates aconfiguration of the operating parameter for drive signal strength forthe current operating frequency band. At block 704, AAC logic 180selects a candidate value to be assigned to the operating parameter fordrive signal strength based on the pre-established parameter data and/oran EDID received from second device 200. At block 706, AAC logic 180initiates a configuration of the operating parameter for drive signalfrequency for the current operating frequency band. At decision block708, AAC logic 180 determines whether the operating parameter for drivesignal frequency is correlated with the operating parameter for pixelclock frequency. If at decision block 708, AAC logic 180 determines thatthe operating parameter for drive signal frequency is correlated withthe operating parameter for pixel clock frequency, AAC logic 180 selectsa candidate combination pair of frequency values as shown at block 710.These values are selected from among the pre-established candidatecombination pair of values, to be assigned to operating parameters fordrive signal frequency and pixel clock frequency. The candidatecombination pair comprises a propagation frequency or drive signalfrequency value and a pixel clock frequency value. Following selectionof parameter values at block 710, the operating parameters areconfigured with the selected values, as shown at block 716.

However, if at decision block 708 AAC logic 180 determines that theoperating parameter for drive signal frequency is not correlated withthe operating parameter for pixel clock frequency, AAC logic 180 selectsa candidate frequency value for the operating parameter for drive signalfrequency based on the pre-established parameter data and/or thereceived EDID, as shown at block 712. At block 714, AAC logic 180selects a candidate frequency value for the operating parameter forpixel clock frequency based on the pre-established parameter data and/orthe received EDID. At block 716, AAC logic 180 configures the threeoperating parameters with the corresponding selected values thatcollectively mitigate harmonic interference while enabling properoperation of the second device. The process ends at block 718.

The flowchart, message flow diagram and block diagrams in the variousfigures presented and described herein illustrate the architecture,functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems,methods and computer program products according to various embodimentsof the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowchartsor block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code,which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing thespecified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in somealternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occurout of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown insuccession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or theblocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending uponthe functionality involved. Thus, while the method processes aredescribed and illustrated in a particular sequence, use of a specificsequence of processes is not meant to imply any limitations on theinvention. Changes may be made with regards to the sequence of processeswithout departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Useof a particular sequence is therefore, not to be taken in a limitingsense, and the scope of the present invention extends to the appendedclaims and equivalents thereof.

In some implementations, certain processes of the methods are combined,performed simultaneously or in a different order, or perhaps omitted,without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. It willalso be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchartillustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/orflowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purposehardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, orcombinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

While the invention has been described with reference to exemplaryembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Inaddition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular system,device or component thereof to the teachings of the invention withoutdeparting from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intendedthat the invention not be limited to the particular embodimentsdisclosed for carrying out this invention, but that the invention willinclude all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.Moreover, the use of the terms first, second, etc. do not denote anyorder or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are usedto distinguish one element from another.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allmeans or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended toinclude any structure, material, or act for performing the function incombination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Thedescription of the present invention has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Theembodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and the practical application, and to enableothers of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention forvarious embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

What is claimed is:
 1. In a wireless communication device having aprocessor and at least one physical communication interface forcommunicatively connecting to a second device, a method comprising:receiving device identifying information about the second device towhich the wireless communication device is connected via a firstphysical communication interface; determining, for each of at least oneconfigurable operating parameter associated with an operation of theconnected second device, a set of candidate values that are mapped to acorresponding configurable operating parameter, based on the receiveddevice identifying information; in response to determining the set ofcandidate values, the processor dynamically selecting a candidate value,from among the set of candidate values, for configuring thecorresponding configurable operating parameter, based on at least one of(a) a current operating frequency band of the wireless communicationdevice; (b) a current operating channel of the wireless communicationdevice; and (c) a level of harmonic interference expected within thecurrent operating frequency band of the wireless communication device;and automatically configuring each of the at least one configurableoperating parameter with a corresponding selected candidate value;wherein said automatically configuring with the corresponding selectedcandidate value results in a mitigation of at least one of a radiatednoise level and a harmonic interference within the current operatingfrequency band of the wireless communication device.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the first physical communication interface is a highdefinition multimedia interface (HDMI) and the second device is a HMDIenabled device having a HDMI connecting port for connecting with theHDMI of the wireless communication device.
 3. The method of claim 2,wherein: the HDMI is associated with a first configurable operatingparameter for a drive signal level for signals communicated over theHDMI to the second device, wherein said first configurable operatingparameter for the drive signal level has a pre-established default valuefor the drive signal level; the at least one configurable parametercomprises the first configurable operating parameter for the drivesignal level; and the automatically configuring comprises selecting alower value for the drive signal level from a corresponding, first setof candidate values for the drive signal level, wherein thepre-established default value for the drive signal level is a highervalue than the selected lower value, and wherein said lower value isselected instead of the pre-established default value to provide areduced overall noise level within the current operating frequency bandof the wireless communication device.
 4. The method of claim 3, whereindynamically selecting comprises: retrieving the corresponding, first setof candidate values from a stored data structure within the wirelesscommunication device; and selecting, from the first set of candidatevalues comprising multiple selectable pre-established values, the lowervalue for the drive signal level, wherein said multiple selectablepre-established values range from a minimum value to a maximum valuethat corresponds to the default value of the drive signal level; whereineach of the multiple selectable pre-established values are associated inthe stored data structure with at least one of (a) a specific devicetype identifier corresponding to the device type of the second device,(b) a device model identifier corresponding to the model of the seconddevice, (c) a particular channel within the current operating frequencyband, and (d) the first configurable operating parameter for a drivesignal level, which is correlated with at least one other configurableoperating parameter.
 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising: inresponse to the second device having a video output component thatoperates utilizing at least one of a second configurable operatingparameter for HDMI signal propagation frequency and a third configurableoperating parameter for pixel clock frequency, retrieving thecorresponding first set of candidate values further comprises selectinga first candidate value of the drive signal level based on at least oneof (a) a second candidate value that is selected for configuring thesecond configurable operating parameter for HDMI signal propagationfrequency of the video output component and (b) a third candidate valueselected for configuring the third configurable operating parameter forpixel clock frequency; wherein the selected first, second, and thirdcandidate values are correlated to provide configured operatingparameters of the HDMI and the second device that collectively provide areduced level of harmonic interference and simultaneously enable aneffective operation of the video output component, based on the currentoperating frequency band and operating channel of the wirelesscommunication device.
 6. The method of claim 2, wherein: the set ofcandidate values for each of the at least one configurable operatingparameter comprises at least one of: a first set of candidate values forthe drive signal level; a second set of candidate values for an HDMIsignal propagation frequency; and a third set of candidate values for apixel clock frequency of a video component of the second device; and thedynamically selecting comprises dynamically selecting a correspondingcandidate value for at least one of the drive signal level of the HDMI,the HDMI signal propagation frequency, and the pixel clock frequencyfrom one of (a) pre-selected values that are presented within an entryof a stored data structure and (b) candidate values that match at leastone approved value from a range of approved values that areautomatically received from the second device when the second device iscommunicatively coupled to the HDMI.
 7. The method of claim 2, wherein:the second device is an accessory having an HDMI receptor to which theHDMI is connected, and the wireless communication device is a mobilephone that communicates with the accessory via the HDMI following asuccessful authentication of the accessory as an approved accessory forcommunicating via the HDMI; and wherein the wireless communicationdevice receives an extended display information data (EDID) from thesecond device following successful authentication, wherein said EDIDcomprises a plurality of specifications for a display component of thesecond device including at least one of: (a) a set of values for eachconfigurable operating parameter; and (b) a set of default values foreach configurable operating parameter.
 8. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: receiving authentication data from the second device priorto performing the dynamically selecting and the automaticallyconfiguring functions; determining, by comparing the authentication datawith at least one authentication parameter stored within the wirelesscommunication device, whether the second device is an approved devicefor connecting to the communication device via the first physicalcommunication interface; in response to determining that the seconddevice is an approved device, performing the dynamically selecting andautomatically configuring functions and initiating a communication fromthe wireless communication device to the second device via the firstphysical communication interface; and in response to determining thatthe second device is a not an approved device, preventing the seconddevice from communicating with the wireless communication device via thefirst physical communication interface; wherein the receiving of theauthentication data from the second device is performed via one of awireless communication with the wireless communication device and awired communication over a different physical communication interface.9. The method of claim 8, wherein: the set of candidate values for eachof the at least one configurable operating parameter includes at leastone of candidate propagation frequency values for signals that can becommunicated via the HDMI to an approved second device having a samedevice type as the second device, and candidate pixel clock frequencyvalues that can be applied to a display device of an approved seconddevice having the same device type as the second device; and the methodfurther comprises: automatically receiving from the second device atleast one of (a) HDMI signal propagation frequency values supported bythe second device and (b) pixel clock frequency values supported by thesecond device; in response to the at least one set of candidate valuescomprising the candidate propagation frequency values, the dynamicallyselecting further comprises identifying at least one first matchingvalue from the candidate propagation frequency values that match one ofthe received HDMI signal propagation frequency values; and in responseto the at least one set of candidate values comprising the candidatepixel clock frequency values, the dynamically selecting furthercomprises identifying at least one second matching value from thecandidate pixel clock frequency values that match one of the receivedpixel clock frequency values; and selecting (a) a matching candidateHDMI propagation frequency value from the at least one first matchingvalue for HDMI signal propagation frequency and (b) a matching candidatepixel clock frequency value from the at least one second matching valuefor pixel clock frequency, wherein a combination of the selectedmatching, candidate HDMI propagation frequency value and pixel clockfrequency value is pre-determined as a combination that minimizes alevel of harmonic interference in the operating frequency band of thewireless communication device while the operating parameters areconfigured with the selected candidate values.
 10. The method of claim2, wherein: the dynamically selecting comprises selecting from a datastructure that includes a table of operating parameter values that isstored within the wireless communication device and that comprises aplurality of mappings associating (a) device identifying information forvarious device types and models of approved second devices with (b) acorresponding set of candidate values mapped to each of the at least oneconfigurable operating parameter associated with an operation of theHDMI and the identified second device type and model; wherein the set ofcandidate values for each of the at least one configurable operatingparameter comprises at least one of (a) a first set of candidate valuesfor a corresponding configurable operating parameter for the drivesignal level of signals communicated over the HDMI and (b) a second setof candidate values for a corresponding configurable operating parameterfor a delivery of content to the second device via the communicatedsignals and (c) a third set of candidate values for a correspondingconfigurable operating parameter for other operations of the seconddevice.
 11. The method of claim 2, further comprising: detecting whenthe wireless communication device switches at least one of (a) a firstoperating frequency band to a second, current operating frequency bandand (b) a first operating frequency channel to a second, currentoperating frequency channel, while the wireless communicating device iscommunicatively connected to the second device via the HDMI; and inresponse to detecting a switch associated with operating frequency,autonomously checking a stored data structure of the wirelesscommunication device for appropriate candidate values of the operatingparameters based on the second, current operating frequency band andsecond, current operating frequency channel, and dynamically andselectively changing each operating parameter based on differences in aprevious set and a current, appropriate set of candidate valuesassociated with at least one of the first operating frequency band beingchanged to the second, current operating frequency band and the firstoperating frequency channel being changed to the second, currentoperating frequency channel.
 12. A wireless communication devicecomprising: a processor; a wireless receiver that operates in at leastone frequency band having at least one frequency channel; a firstphysical communication interface coupled to the processor that enablesconnection of the wireless communication device to a correspondingdevice interface mechanism of a second device; a storage accessible tothe processor and having stored thereon at least one data structure thatprovides at least one mapping of (a) device identifying information forvarious device types and models of approved second devices with (b) acorresponding set of candidate values mapped to each of the at least oneconfigurable operating parameter associated with an operation of theHDMI and the identified second device type and model, wherein the set ofcandidate values for each of the at least one configurable operatingparameter comprises at least one of (a) a first set of candidate valuesfor a corresponding configurable operating parameter for the drivesignal level of signals communicated over the HDMI, (b) a second set ofcandidate values for a corresponding configurable operating parameterfor a delivery of content to the second device via the communicatedsignals, and (c) a third set of candidate values for a correspondingconfigurable operating parameter for other operations of the seconddevice; configuration logic associated with the processor that inresponse to a connection of the wireless communication device to thesecond device via the first physical communication interface: receivesdevice identifying information about the second device to which thewireless communication device is connected via a first physicalcommunication interface; determines, for each of at least oneconfigurable operating parameter associated with an operation of theconnected second device, a set of candidate values that are mapped to acorresponding configurable operating parameter, based on the receiveddevice identifying information; in response to determining the set ofcandidate values, the processor dynamically selects a candidate value,from among the set of candidate values, for configuring thecorresponding configurable operating parameter, based on at least one of(a) a current operating frequency band of the wireless communicationdevice; (b) a current operating channel of the wireless communicationdevice; (c) a level of harmonic interference expected within the currentoperating frequency band of the wireless communication device; andconfiguration logic associated with the first physical communicationinterface that automatically configures each of the at least oneconfigurable operating parameter with a corresponding selected candidatevalue, wherein said automatically configuring with the correspondingselected candidate value results in a mitigation of at least one of aradiated noise level and a harmonic interference within the currentoperating frequency band of the wireless communication device.
 13. Thewireless communication device of claim 13, wherein the first physicalcommunication interface mechanism is a high definition multimediainterface (HDMI) and the second device is a HMDI enabled device having aHDMI connecting port for connecting with the HDMI of the wirelesscommunication device.
 14. The wireless communication device of claim 13,wherein: the HDMI is associated with a first configurable operatingparameter for a drive signal level for signals communicated over theHDMI to the second device, wherein said first configurable operatingparameter for the drive signal level has a pre-established default valuefor the drive signal level; the at least one configurable parametercomprises the first configurable operating parameter for the drivesignal level; and the configuration logic automatically configures byselecting a lower value for the drive signal level from a corresponding,first set of candidate values for the drive signal level, wherein thepre-established default value for the drive signal level is a highervalue than the selected lower value, and wherein said lower value isselected instead of the pre-established default value to provide areduced overall noise level within the current operating frequency bandof the wireless communication device.
 15. The wireless communicationdevice of claim 14, wherein the configuration logic that dynamicallyselects further comprises configuration logic to: retrieve thecorresponding, first set of candidate values from a stored datastructure within the wireless communication device; and select, from thefirst set of candidate values comprising multiple selectablepre-established values, the lower value for the drive signal level,wherein said multiple selectable pre-established values range from aminimum value to a maximum value that corresponds to the default valueof the drive signal level; wherein each of the multiple selectablepre-established values are associated in the stored data structure withat least one of (a) a specific device type identifier corresponding tothe device type of the second device, (b) a device model identifiercorresponding to the model of the second device, and (c) a particularchannel within the current operating frequency band, and (d) the firstconfigurable operating parameter for a drive signal level, which iscorrelated with at least one other configurable operating parameter. 16.The method of claim 15, further comprising configuration logic that: inresponse to the second device having a video output component thatoperates utilizing at least one of a second configurable operatingparameter for HDMI signal propagation frequency and a third configurableoperating parameter for pixel clock frequency, retrieves thecorresponding first set of candidate values further comprises selectinga first candidate value of the drive signal level based on at least oneof (a) a second candidate value that is selected for configuring thesecond configurable operating parameter for HDMI signal propagationfrequency of the video output component and (b) a third candidate valueselected for configuring the third configurable operating parameter forpixel clock frequency; wherein the selected first, second, and thirdcandidate values are correlated to provide configured operatingparameters of the HDMI and the second device that collectively provide areduced level of harmonic interference and simultaneously enable aneffective operation of the video output component, based on the currentoperating frequency band and operating channel of the wirelesscommunication device.
 17. The wireless communication device of claim 12,further comprising configuration logic that: receives authenticationdata from the second device prior to performing the dynamicallyselecting and the automatically configuring functions; determines, bycomparing the authentication data with at least one authenticationparameter stored within the wireless communication device, whether thesecond device is an approved device for connecting to the communicationdevice via the first physical communication interface; in response todetermining that the second device is an approved device, performs thedynamically selecting and automatically configuring functions andinitiates a communication from the wireless communication device to thesecond device via the first physical communication interface; and inresponse to determining that the second device is a not an approveddevice, prevents the second device from communicating with the wirelesscommunication device via the first physical communication interface;wherein the receipt of the authentication data from the second device isperformed via one of a wireless communication with the wirelesscommunication device and a wired communication over a different physicalcommunication interface.
 18. The wireless communication device of claim13, wherein: the set of candidate values for each of the at least oneconfigurable operating parameter comprises at least one of: a first setof candidate values for the drive signal level; a second set ofcandidate values for an HDMI signal propagation frequency; and a thirdset of candidate values for a pixel clock frequency of a video componentof the second device; the configuration logic dynamically selects at acorresponding candidate value for at least one of the drive signal levelof the HDMI, the HDMI signal propagation frequency, and the pixel clockfrequency from one of (a) pre-selected values that are presented withinan entry of a stored data structure and (b) candidate values that matchat least one approved value from a range of approved values that areautomatically received from the second device when the second device iscommunicatively coupled to the HDMI; and the set of candidate values foreach of the at least one configurable operating parameter includes atleast one of candidate propagation frequency values for signals that canbe communicated via the HDMI to an approved second device having a samedevice type as the second device, and candidate pixel clock frequencyvalues that can be applied to a display device of an approved seconddevice having the same device type as the second device; and theconfiguration logic further comprises logic to: automatically receivefrom the second device at least one of (a) HDMI signal propagationfrequency values supported by the second device and (b) pixel clockfrequency values supported by the second device; in response to the atleast one set of candidate values comprising the candidate propagationfrequency values, the configuration logic that dynamically selectsfurther comprises logic to identify at least one first matching valuefrom the candidate propagation frequency values that match one of thereceived HDMI signal propagation frequency values; and in response tothe at least one set of candidate values comprising the candidate pixelclock frequency values, the configuration logic that dynamically selectsfurther comprises logic to identify at least one second matching valuefrom the candidate pixel clock frequency values that match one of thereceived pixel clock frequency values; and select (a) a matchingcandidate HDMI propagation frequency value from the at least one firstmatching value for HDMI signal propagation frequency and (b) a matchingcandidate pixel clock frequency value from the at least one secondmatching value for pixel clock frequency, wherein a combination of theselected matching, candidate HDMI propagation frequency value and pixelclock frequency value is pre-determined as a combination that minimizesa level of harmonic interference in the operating frequency band of thewireless communication device while the operating parameters areconfigured with the selected candidate values.
 19. The wirelesscommunication device of claim 13, the configuration logic furthercomprising logic that: detects when the wireless communication deviceswitches at least one of (a) a first operating frequency band to asecond, current operating frequency band and (b) a first operatingfrequency channel to a second, current operating frequency channel,while the wireless communicating device is communicatively connected tothe second device via the HDMI; and in response to detecting a switchassociated with operating frequency, autonomously checks a stored datastructure of the wireless communication device for appropriate candidatevalues of the operating parameters based on the second, currentoperating frequency band and second, current operating frequencychannel, and dynamically and selectively changing each operatingparameter based on differences in a previous set and a current,appropriate set of candidate values associated with at least one of thefirst operating frequency band being changed to the second, currentoperating frequency band and the first operating frequency channel beingchanged to the second, current operating frequency channel.
 20. Thewireless communication device of claim 13, wherein the second device isan accessory having an HDMI receptor to which the HDMI is connected, andthe wireless communication device is a mobile phone that communicateswith the accessory via the HDMI following a successful authentication ofthe accessory as an approved accessory for communicating via the HDMI;and wherein the wireless communication device receives an extendeddisplay information data (EDID) from the second device followingsuccessful authentication, wherein said EDID comprises a plurality ofspecifications for a display component of the second device including atleast one of: (a) a set of values for each configurable operatingparameter; and (b) a set of default values for each configurableoperating parameter.